The British Soft Drinks Association has responded to the announcement by the NHS to ban all sugary drinks in hospital shops. The body said that it makes sense to promote sales of healthier options in hospitals but not to focus on soft drinks.

Gavin Partington, BSDA Director General, said, “It makes sense to promote sales of healthier options in hospitals but not to focus on soft drinks, the only food and drink category which has seen a significant reduction in consumer sugar intake, down by over 18% since 2012.

“It’s also worth remembering that while sugar intake from soft drinks has been falling, obesity levels have been increasing.

“However, it's good to see NHS England taking a pragmatic approach to the issue by including all drinks that contain added sugar - milk-based drinks and coffee - but still allowing consumers a variety of options.”